Drug Crime Lawyer & Defense

When it comes to drug offenses, they can range from a small offense to a very serious matter with lifelong consequences. Regardless, of the amount of an illegal substance you were caught with, any drug offense is a serious matter. If you've been arrested and charged with a drug crime, you need a skilled, aggressive trial attorney in your corner.

Whether you have been suspected of possession, distribution, trafficking or manifesting of an illegal narcotic, hiring the right drug crime attorney in Jacksonville will make a big difference.

At Tassone, Dreicer, & Hill, we provide more than 50 years of combined experience when it comes to drug crime defense. Our legal team has provided numerous defense strategies for those accused of a drug offense. If you're convicted, you may face long prison sentences, large fines and the loss of your driver's license. Don't face a drug offense on your own. Call Tassone, Dreicer, & Hill today.

Penalties for Drug Possession in Florida

If you're caught in possession of illegal narcotics, you will likely face jail or prison time. The penalty will be based on the type and the amount of drugs seized by law enforcement. The penalties for drug possession in Florida are as follows:

20 grams or less of marijuana - First-degree misdemeanor with up to one year in jail and up to a $1,000 fine

20 grams or more of marijuana - Third-degree felony with up to 5 years of jail time and up to a $5,000 fine

Possession of a controlled substance - Third-degree felony with up to 5 years of jail time and up to a $5,00 fine

10 grams or more of heroin - First-degree felony with up to 30 years in prison and up to a $10,000 fine

Possession of an unlawful chemical - Second-degree Felony with up to 15 years of jail time and up to a $10,000 fine

Procession of drug paraphernalia - First-degree misdemeanor with up to 1 year of jail time and up to a $1,000 fine

Possession of prescription drugs without a valid prescription - The penalty depends on the substance, but this could be a third-degree felony

Drug trafficking - Up to 30 years of prison time with a minimum mandatory sentence based on the drug type

The penalties for possession can be very harsh. If you've been arrested for drug possession, you need to hire a skilled drug crime lawyer in Jacksonville with experience handling drug offense cases.

What Constitutes a Drug Trafficking Charge?

The drug laws in Florida are very complex. Trafficking laws set a minimum and maximum sentence based on the type of drug seized. Some drugs come with a heavier penalty than others.

You don't have to be caught in the act of distributing drugs to face drug trafficking charges. If the drugs in your possession have a combined weight that is high-enough, the state may pursue charges of drug trafficking. The minimum amounts causing you to face a drug trafficking charge include:

Oxycodone - 7 grams

Cocaine - 28 grams

LSD - 1 gram

MDMA or Ecstasy - 10 grams

Cannabis - 25 pounds or 300 plants

Hydrocodone - 14 grams

The penalties associated with drug trafficking charges increase based on the amount of the drug found in your possession. Penalties include:

Oxycodone - 3-year mandatory minimum, up to a 25-year mandatory minimum with $50,000 to $750,000 in fines

Cocaine - 3-year mandatory minimum up to life in prison with fines ranging from $50,000 to $250,000

LSD - 3 years in prison up to 15 years in prison with fines ranging from $50,000 to $500,000

MDMA or Ecstasy - 3-year mandatory minimum up to 15-year mandatory minimum with $50,000 to $250,000 in fines

Cannabis - 3-year mandatory minimum up to 15-year mandatory minimum with $25,000 to $200,000 in fines

Hydrocodone - 3-year mandatory minimum up to 25-year mandatory minimum with $50,000 to $750,000 in fines

It's possible you could be charged with conspiracy to distribute if the government can prove you were loosely associated with co-conspirators. This could include anything from a telephone call to a face-to-face meeting.

Defending Drug Offenses

If you've been accused of a drug offense, there are several ways your drug crime lawyer can defend you. A number of strategies can be used to dismiss the charges or reduce the charges. Defense strategies include showing:

Improper information was given by a confidential informant

An improper vehicle stop was made

A search warrant was improperly executed

Seized drugs were contaminated

An illegal search and seizure of the person or vehicle was performed

Illegal entry into a home, property or vehicle

Outdated information was used during the drug investigation

Improper benefits were promised in exchange for a confession

Improper wiretap investigation

Whether you've been charged with drug possession, drug trafficking or another drug offense, you need the right Jacksonville drug crime attorney on your side.

You don't want to take your chances with the severe penalties listed above for drug offenses. In addition, a criminal record could wreak havoc on your future making it harder to gain employment or pass a background check for a landlord.

You need the right drug crime lawyer in your corner - someone with the skills and knowledge to provide an aggressive defense is necessary to help in your time of need. A trusted and experienced Jacksonville criminal defense lawyer with plenty of experience handling drug charges will make all the difference.

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